Victim helps cops capture robbers

SOUTH BEND -- A robbery victim got help from police as he chased his alleged attackers down on his bicycle Wednesday afternoon.

The victim said he was on his bike when two teenage males stopped him on the street, beat him with a pistol, robbed him of $60 in cash and some jewelry, then took off in a car.

Police saw the victim on his bike chasing the two males in a car when he caught up to the vehicle and tried to get his belongings back just as the patrol officer pulled up.

Both males got out of the car and ran into a nearby house in the 700 block of North Allen Street at about 5:30 p.m.

The officers went to the house and found both males inside, police said.

Cops searched the residence and recovered the victim's property: $60 in cash and jewelry items.

A search of the vehicle revealed a handgun on the front passenger seat, police said.

The victim identified both men, ages 17 and 18.

They were arrested and booked into the St. Joseph County Jail on preliminary charges of armed robbery and battery. One of the robbers was also charged with a count of possessing a firearm without a permit.

Police said the victim suffered a "facial injury" after being pistol-whipped, but declined medical treatment.